New Permanent Secretary to the Welsh Government

Andrew Goodall has been appointed as the new Permanent Secretary to the Welsh Government.

From:

Cabinet Office

Andrew, who is currently Director General Health and Social Services and NHS Wales Chief Executive, was chosen following an open competition. The appointment has been made by the First Minister of Wales in agreement with the Cabinet Secretary. Andrew will take up the post in November 2021.

The First Minister of Wales, Rt Hon Mark

Drakeford said:

​​“I’m delighted that Andrew Goodall will be taking up the role of Permanent Secretary as we build a stronger, fairer and greener Wales together beyond the pandemic.

He has been a leading figure in Welsh public service for many years, so I warmly welcome his appointment to this role.

I would like to thank Shan for her leadership of the Welsh civil service during these most challenging of times, and wish her well for the future”.

The Cabinet Secretary, Simon Case, said:

I would like to congratulate Andrew on his appointment. Andrew’s breadth of experience across the Welsh Government and NHS Wales makes him well placed to play a key leadership role across Welsh public services as we rebuild from the pandemic. I very much look forward to working with him as part of the senior leadership of the UK Civil Service.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Shan Morgan for her outstanding contribution to the UK Civil Service over four decades and wish her all the best in the future.

Commenting on his new role, Andrew said:

It is a great honour to take up the role of Permanent Secretary of the Welsh Government. I look forward to working with staff across the civil service and the wider Welsh public sector workforce.

There are major challenges ahead but I am confident that we can rise to them by working together, and building on the foundations that Shan has laid over the last five years.